Everybody made it seem like the package would be extra huge. It’s just like the size of a standard college acceptance letter. It’s not even that thick
Congrats to everyone who got it!! And to those who didn’t, don’t lose hope. There are still scholarships out there waiting to be claimed! Ask and you shall receive!!
For those of you who do not hear good news, I encourage you to take this as a motivation to strive for new heights! There is so much to do in life and many more joys left in the world!
While I feel more than blessed to have been given the scholarship, I thank my friends, family, and everyone that I have met within my life. The essays are not only a reflection of myself, but those who have helped me grow in one way or another.
To those who win or those who don´t it is important to never forget where you come from, no matter where you go! - you should feel proud that you were selected as a finalist. Congratulations to everyone for making it this far!
No more hopes. I wish they would’ve told me earlier that I wasn’t going to be a scholar.
@lombok2 dude chill. I’m just making an observation. I’m not complaining.
Small envelope came to my house. Son was bummed, but he will be just fine. When I think of how blessed he’s been, it’s hard to be anything but happy. After joining the facebook group, I saw several kids who were waiting on this scholarship to decide whether or not they could attend the school of their dreams. It put into perspective just how fortunate he is with his school choices and the aid packages. So thrilled for those of you who received the scholarship! For the others, there are a million ways to fund a college education. Don’t lose hope!
My son got his letter yesterday he was awarded the scholarship…we are so excited. He is mixed race from Kansas going to KU in the fall. Being a single parent home I would not be able to help him with college so I am so happy that he has been given this chance. His envelope was big had a folder with a bunch of info in it. I have to say after reading all that information it is quite confusing. Not really sure of his award amount until we talk to financial aid at his college.
@Mom2Senior16 Congratulations. Yes, that 30-page guide to the GMS award can seem a bit overwhelming at first. Basically, the GMS award will cover any amount of remaining need after all grants and scholarships are deducted from the official Cost of Attendance at his university. If his award letter from KU included any loans or work-study, those amounts are considered “self-help aid.” Your son can decline those amounts, and GMS will pick up the difference. The only thing that GMS does not pay for is the Expected Family Contribution. If your EFC is zero, of course, it won’t matter.
You are doing exactly the right thing by contacting the financial aid office at KU and letting them know that your son is a Gates Millennium Scholar. Hopefully, someone in that office will have handled a GMS before. If not, and they are confused, a rep from Gates or from your son’s GMSP partner organization can intervene on his behalf and explain things.
I have no idea how I have not received a letter from gates if I live 30 minutes from the headquarters
You guys I got it!!! The award letter came in today and boy was I elated. I must say it is a complete stress reliever because the past couple of days have been rough while I impatiently waited for a response. The happiest day of my life!! For those of you who are still waiting for a response, don’t give up hope and I really wish you guys do get it. Good luck over achievers!!!
I’m a Hispanic scholar from Washington!!! I’m the first my school has had in a few years and I am just so honored to have received this award!!! I’m on cloud 9!
My daughter received her letter yesterday. We are so blessed that she was chosen as a scholar. She is American Indian from Virginia. Congratulations to all those who have been chosen. To those not chosen, please don’t let this get you down. My daughter has applied to so many we have lost count and has only received a handful.
@MuQueen, My daughter was the first and ONLY scholar to come out of her school. I know it was nerve wracking for us waiting to hear something. It was quite intimidating that no one from our region had ever gotten the scholarship. Congratulations on your award!
No mail for me today again! I want to cry. What’s going on? Why me lol
Does anyone know when they send out emails?
@brendalil Same no mail for me today too!!! I’m so anxious
@brendalil supposedly they send out emails tomorrow but nobody has actually confirmed that prediction
Both of my children got GMS, the younger one just today. My older one got it years ago. Good luck to the others waiting to hear.
So I received the Gates im so hyped, but I have a question will gates cover all of your college dues I am confused on how much they will pay for you…? I heard for public colleges they only will pay up to 20,000$ mine is a little above that will they still help me cover the costs?
@mjofox Read the Guide for Scholars that should be in the mailing you received. You will discover that the $20,000 cap you are referring to is just for graduate fellowships at public universities. You will also see the details of what the GMS means by a “last-dollar” scholarship. The math is quite simple. Start with the official Cost of Attendance at your school. Subtract any EFC (if you have one). That’s your Financial Need. Then subtract all other grant aid and scholarships (Pell Grant, school aid, private scholarships you may have won). For the moment, also subtract any loans and work-study that are listed in your award letter. The remaining amount is your Unmet Need. So your Unmet Need plus your “self-help aid” (the loans and work-study) is what the GMS award will cover. The GMS does not pay for the EFC, if you have one.
In short, except for the Expected Family Contribution, the GMS award will chip in what you did not get from other grants, and does not require you to accept any loans or the work-study job. Some Scholars have enough money from other sources that they receive no dollars from the Gates during their entire undergraduate years. Other Scholars may get thousands of dollars. It all depends on your individual situation.